Schedule a Call
Protect your pipes from cold weather.

Cold Weather is Here – Don’t Let It Rain In Your Kitchen

Buckle up, the cold weather is here to stay.  We can’t do anything about the temperature, but we can help you avoid it raining in your kitchen. 

Burst pipes are one of the most common insurance claims and often result in significant damage, temporary relocation and a long recovery process.  That’s why it’s critical for homeowners and businessowners alike to be confident that their coverage is comprehensive, free of exclusions for common types of loss, and placed with a reputable carrier that will be there when it matters most. 

Preventing frozen pipes in your home

At J.J. Ruddy, we’ve built long-standing partnerships with top-rated insurance carriers known for customer satisfaction and claims responsiveness.  More importantly, we stand by our clients with unwavering advocacy and support.  If you are with J.J. Ruddy, you have already checked that box.
 
Planning for unpredictable New England weather is not only prudent – it’s wicked smaht. 

When the mercury drops, the risk of frozen pipes rises dramatically.   Many New Englanders assume that if it hasn’t happened before, it won’t happen at all.  Don’t bank on it!  Wind speed, wind direction, and plummeting temperatures have a way of finding vulnerabilities in even the best-maintained homes and businesses. 
 
Here are some simple but effective steps you can take to prepare:

Cold Weather Pipe Protection Tips

  • Keep the house temperature above 60°F. Override programmable thermostats and maintain a constant temperature. If you are out of town, have a neighbor check in.
  • Pay attention to pipes along exterior walls. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. Let cold water faucets slow drip to keep water moving in the line.
  • Shut off valves to exterior faucets and open the faucet to drain residual water from the lines.
  • Basement pipes that are exposed to drafty windows are common freeze up sites. Make sure basement windows are fully closed and locked.
  • NEVER run gas or kerosene heaters indoors. If supplemental heat is needed, use electric space heathers on a level surface and kept clear of surrounding objects.
  • If you have travel plans this winter, make a plan with neighbors or family to check on your home.  It’s ok to turn off the water shut offwater to appliances like washer machines.  If you are considering turning off the main water supply, check with your HVAC vendor first – many heating systems require water to cool the burner.  Trust us…you don’t want to come home to a cracked boiler.
Pipe burst

THE #1 PRECAUTIONARY STEP FOR ALL NEW ENGLANDERS

Locate your main water shutoff valve in your basement and make sure EVERYONE in the household knows where it is. That’s the first thing you’ll be looking for when you start seeing water in places it doesn’t belong.


DIY TIP…….

Mark the valve with a bright-colored luggage tag and write your plumber’s emergency contact info on it.

Additional Protection to Consider

Water leak detectors are an inexpensive and effective way to manage water losses.  AMAZON has a package of water bugs that synch with your phone and alert you to the presence of water.  They are ideal for under sinks, near washer machines, and water heaters.  Leak detectors can also be integrated into your monitored alarm systems.  Check with your alarm company for details.

Whole house water shut off devices, such as MOEN’s Flo Shutoff, are an effective tool to monitor water flow.  A smart device is installed on your main water line where it continuously monitors flow rates.  When it detects something out of the ordinary daily use, it shuts off the water.  Many insurance carriers endorse these devices and offer additional premium credits on your policy.

A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your home from a pipe burst pipe.  Once you have secured your home or business, please don’t forget to help your elderly neighbors do the same.

Stay warm and safe!!

Looking Out for You Since 1909

For 117 years, J.J. Ruddy has been helping families protect the lives they’ve built and the people they love. We advocate, advise, and give our clients the confidence that their coverage is exactly where it should be.

If you know someone who would benefit from confidence in their coverage, we’re here to help. Share this email and we’ll take care of the rest.

Schedule a Call

Return to Blog

John A. Hackett, Jr., CIC

John Hackett, Jr. leads J.J. Ruddy Insurance as President, overseeing commercial lines with the same commitment to advocacy that has defined the agency for over 115 years. A Saint Anselm College graduate with his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, John excels at identifying gaps in coverage and solving complex insurance challenges.

His analytical approach has made meaningful differences for countless clients across all types of industries.  From small businesses to real estate developers and municipalities, John finds the holes in insurance programs and develops comprehensive solutions that address all kinds of loss exposure. He has guided businesses through complex risk analysis and contractual requirements—exemplifying his belief that “advocacy is a crucial part of the trusted partner relationship.”

John constantly updates his industry knowledge through ongoing education and close relationships with carriers, enabling proactive risk management strategies that prevent losses before they occur. His leadership extends beyond J.J. Ruddy having served on the Agency Advisory Council for Travelers Insurance and many other carrier leadership groups.

Following his family’s tradition of community involvement, John has been an active Rotary member for over 30 years as Past President and Paul Harris Fellow while also serving on the Hallmark Health Risk Management Committee and coaching youth sports in Andover. When not advocating for clients, John enjoys skiing, golfing, and time with his wife Amy and their two children.

Connect with John on LinkedIn

Edward P. Hackett, CRM, CPRM, CIC, CISR

As Vice President of J.J. Ruddy Insurance, Ed overseas Personal Lines and agency operations with a focus on building trusted client relationships. His degrees from Providence College and Bentley University, combined with is professional designations like CRM, CPRM, CIC and CISR bring a unique perspective to service standards, risk management, and client advocacy.

Ed’s approach to insurance combines risk management, analytics, and practical solutions personalized to each individual client relationship. He regularly identifies coverage gaps, develops strategies for complex client needs, and negotiates effectively with carriers to deliver comprehensive insurance plans. His commitment to ongoing education through multiple professional designations ensures clients receive current, relevant advice addressing both traditional and emerging risks.

Inspired by his father’s example, Ed is committed to giving back to the community—coaching Reading Youth Hockey for 15 years, serving on the Hallmark Health Audit and Compliance Committee, and holding multiple roles with Medford Rotary. His Paul Harris Fellow recognition honors his deep commitment to the communities J.J. Ruddy has served since 1909.

Ed carries forward the agency’s legacy with a clear sense of purpose: “We stand on the shoulders of the generations before us. That might seem like a lot of pressure, but really, it’s an opportunity to be part of something special.” Outside of work, Ed enjoys time with his wife, Kathy, trying to keep up with their four children and he is always looking for the next home improvement project.

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn